Translation of the Chofetz Chaim's Sefer Shmiras HaLashon. This site is dedicated to the improvement of the speech of members of Bnei Yisrael. To help avoid all sorts of troubles, learn Shmiras HaLashon - "One who guards his mouth and his tongue guards from troubles of his soul." (Mishlei: 21; 23)

Monday, April 07, 2008

Shmiras HaLashon בּ ניסן - Nissan 2 - One-Hundred-and-Eightieth Day

Similar [to the previous discussion concerning the greatness of supporting Torah study, we are] also [taught] in The Holy “Zohar” [on] parshas “VaYechi” (volume 1, 242a), as follows: “Why does Zivulun constantly take precedence over Yissachar in the [giving of the] birachos? Behold, Yissachar was involved in Torah [study], and Torah takes precedence in every instance. [This being the case], why did Zivulun precede [Yissachar] in [the receiving of the] birachos? His father, [Ya’akov], and Moshe, gave him precedence [in the receipt of the birachos]. Rather, [the tribe of Zivulun] took precedence in the receipt of the birachos because he took bread from his mouth and put it into the mouth of Yissachar[1]. From here we learn [that] one who supports [a person] who is regularly involved in Torah [study], receives blessings from Above, [in Heaven], and from below, [in this world]. Not only [is the above the case], but [this person] merits [to receive] two tables, [concerning] which another person does not merit, [and he receives] wealth, for he is blessed in this world, and he merits that he will possess a portion in The World to Come…”

[Chofetz Chaim’s note: With [the aforementioned teaching from the “Zohar”], one can explain that which the pasuk [from parshas “V’Zos HaBirachah”] says, “…‘Zivulun, be happy in your departures, and Yissachar, in your tents.’” (Divarim: 33; 18) [The] explanation [being], that even though it is not the [normal] way of a trader to be happy at the time that he goes out to [involve himself] in his trading, [he will generally] only [be happy] after his [return] to his house, [for] perhaps The Holy One, Blessed is He, will not make him successful, and his toil will [thereby be] in vain. [The above is] specifically [the case] when [one sets] sail on the ocean, [where he will not be happy, as the ocean is] a place of danger. Therefore, Moshe Rabbeinu, Alav HaShalom, said [as follows]: ‘Zivulun, you will be able to be happy when you set sail in the ship (in accordance with RaSh”I’s commentary [on the pasuk][2]), for Yissachar sits in your tents which you designated for him to [be involved in] Torah [study] and certification.’ Therefore, [due to your support of Yissachar’s Torah study], The Holy One, Blessed is He, will definitely bring you success, as The Holy “Zohar” said.]

[1] Since the tribe of Zivulun financially supported the Torah study of the tribe of Yissachar, they preceded the tribe of Yissachar in the receipt of the birachos.

[2] RaSh”I explains that Moshe is telling the tribe of Zivulun that they should be happy when they go out to involve themselves in trade, as they will be successful.